Be a good listener.
Be a good listener could be just the key of showing that you care for the students and you are there when they need support. Sometime they do not want you to find the solution, they just want to vent.
When they speak out loud they also get feed back from their peers which may also give them the confidence that they are looking for.
Venting is sometimes what they need, but I have also found that students who have not found their voice are drawn into discovering they have ideas worth expressing just by listening to their smallest comments, then seeking them out one on one at break or after class to further allow them to speak. They develop sometimes the realization they they do have worthy contributions. A great boost to their morale, interest and confidence.
That is very true...being a great teacher is also being a great listener.
I agree, students often want to vent, listening is the key.
Hi Aquila,
Many of the students are looking for understanding and support. By listening and encouraging them you are providing both. This will keep the students engaged and focused throughout the course.
Gary
It is very interesting to note that many of the students are in school and use that as an opportunity to talk whatever is on their mind at the time. Many times it is not about school at all but concerns issues that are going on in their lives. Many of my students are single parents and being back in school is a serious challenge for them. So if I just listen, many times they walk away feeling better about themselves even though their problems have not gone away.
Hi Victor,
Good strategy. You are helping them to develop their problem solving skills while acquiring the knowledge they need to be successful.
Gary
So true, if they get the chance to vent, to listen to their own voice, they often come up with their own solutions. All they realy needed was someone to listen and support them.
Catherine,
I totally agree. I have noticed that if you don't give "angry" students the opportunity to vent it causes more problems and wastes more class time than if you were to just let them vent about their problems.
-Jeff
